Athlete First
A History of the Paralympic Movement
Chapter One
A Showcase of Ability
It's all about discovery. My discovery is that Swimming opened the door to everything: first it gave
me freedom, then a place in society (Beatrice Hess, France, IPC Brochure 2004)
INTRODUCTION: NO EXCUSES, NO LIMITS
For anyone who has witnessed the determination of athletes striving to push themselves beyond their
own limits it is quite easy to understand how competitive sport can play such a key part in the life of an
individual with a disability. There are more opportunities for accomplishment of personal goals through
sport than in many other aspects of life, and sport certainly can change the way other people see us. For
some persons with a disability competitive sport provides a vehicle for levelling out some of the
inequalities that are faced day-to-day. But for everyone it is thrilling, fun and satisfying.
This book attempts to examine the route through which the Paralympic Movement has adv ... read full excerpt from Athlete First: A History of the Paralympic Movement ebook
